Benedictions that Warm the Heart (Hebrews 13:20 & 21)

 

Do you like benedictions?  I do.  They are so caring.  My church began adding them after the closing prayers.  I always feel blessed by them and leave with a happy smile on my face and a warm heart within.

Aaron, the first High Priest of God over Israel, used to say a good night benediction over the nation.  He'd raise his arms and bless them saying,

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace ..." (Numbers 6:22-26 ESV).

It was said nightly like a bedtime prayer.  Night-night, tuck you in, sleep well, of course, but it was so much more.  By so doing, God told Moses that Aaron would be putting His ...

" ... name upon the people of Israel, and I [He, God] will bless them"                  (Numbers 6:27 ESV).

The writer of Hebrews wanted to bless the Hebrews too.  It would resignate, with them deeply because of the High Priests' nightly benediction pronounced over them.  This is something that even though they'd become Christian Hebrews, they could understand and appreciate it and be heart-warmed.

But this benediction also had an exhortation imbedded in it.  We don't just have the privelege of being blessed, we have responsibility too - a two-sided coin portfolio.  Each follower of Jesus Christ has been blessed with this benediction too.

Peace is pronounced over us in the name of the God of peace but part of the blessing stems from being equipped ...

 " ... with everything good that [we] may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ ..." (Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV).

So, as we go forth we may experience the happy smile and warm heart but we need to be equipped and use what God has given us through our faith in Jesus Christ for the good and benefit of the congregation of believers and beyond, and do His will, thus giving all glory and honor to Him forever and ever.  

                  GOD BLESS YOU!

                                                     ~  ERC  May 2026  ~

Based on Hebrews 13:20 & 21, Numbers 6:22-27 ESV.

Sing, A Mother's Prayer (Numbers 6 :22-27) Cry Out Worship.  Also, Numbers 6:22-27 - The Bible Song.